An international team of scientists, led by experts from Heinrich Heine University in Germany, studied the intellectual abilities of tyrannosaurs. The findings refuted a previous hypothesis by Brazilian neuroscientists that the giant predatory lizard was as smart as primates. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Anatomical Registration (TAR).
To study the brain biology of extinct animals, zoologists used endocasts, which are molds of fossil skulls. They allow us to estimate the relative size of the skull and the proportion of tissue that was once there.
In modern crocodiles and alligators, the brain occupies only 30% of the cranial cavity, whereas in birds and mammals this proportion is close to 100%.
Based on the data obtained, scientists calculated that Tyrannosaurus rex had 250 million to 1.7 billion neurons in its brain; This number corresponds to the number of neurons in living crocodiles.
A previous study estimated Tyrrhanosaurus’ neuron density at 3.3 billion; This looked like a baboon’s brain. The team noted that their Brazilian colleagues made a calculation error by suggesting that the predator’s brain occupied the entire endocranial cavity.
Scientists stated that their results do not mean that tyrannosaurs were stupid. Neuron number and brain size vary greatly between animals, but this is not entirely linked to mental ability. For example, pigeons can count as well as monkeys with their tiny brains.
The researchers emphasized that tyrannosaurs were probably very advanced hunters.
Previous scientists calculatedHow many tyrannosaurs have ever roamed the Earth?
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.